Keeping your home cool in the summer and warm during the winter months—without running up your utility bill—is a challenge for most home owners. Consumers want to be comfortable when they're at home, but they're also trying to figure out how to do this without incurring a big expense. One way is to get a smart thermostat and we will help you learn what you need to know before you buy one of these devices.

A smart thermostat can help owners control their home environment all from their smartphone, tablet, computer and now your voice. Plus, smart thermostats can help you save energy and money. Below is a video we put together to help consumers see what these new smart thermostats can do, while providing a couple of options if you are in the market to buy one.

Introducing Amazon Smart Thermostat – ENERGY STAR certified, DIY install, Works with Alexa – C-wire required

List Price: $59.99

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Please keep in mind when selecting a programmable or smart thermostat: It is important to buy one that is compatible with your HVAC system, smart home system or other connected devices in your home (such as your lights, home security system or leak detectors). How do you do that? Find out which wireless protocol your other devices currently use (like Z-Wave, W-Fi or Thread), and purchase a smart thermostat that works on that same wireless protocol so you can connect them all together. For more help in understanding wireless protocols, check out From B to Z: How Your Smart Home Speaks Wireless.

In addition, before buying a smart thermostat, make sure you check the wiring behind your existing thermostat. If you have only two thick wires, you are going to have a problem installing a smart thermostat in your home. Smart thermostats require a C-Wire or "common wire" to enable the continuous flow of 24 VAC power to your smart thermostat. If you have only two wires, you will need to install either a C-Wire adapter or a battery powered smart thermostat that works with only two wires. You can learn more about the C-Wire and it's importance to installing a smart thermostat by visiting What You Need To Know About Smart Thermostats & C-Wires. I can tell you from my experience, this article will help you buy the right smart thermostat and make installation a lot easier too.

GearBrain's buying guide for smart thermostatsYouTube

Here is a list of manufacturers who sell good reliable smart thermostats:

• Google Nest - Nest Learning Thermostat and their new Nest Thermostat, Best Learning Thermostat for Any Smart Home
• Honeywell Home - T9 and T5 smart thermostats - Both can help you save money and have tie-ins with your local energy provider.
• Ecobee - they have the Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control which is the Best Thermostat with Alexa Built-in and the Ecobee3 Lite which is the Best Affordable Smart Thermostat
• Amazon Smart Thermostat which works with Alexa
• Cync Smart Thermostat is a new addition to the field and is made by GE Lighting, a Savant Company
• Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric In-Floor Heating - good for radiant heat flooring as well as your home.

For more in-depth information on smart thermostats, you can check out GearBrain's Top smart thermostats to automate the heating and lower your bills in 2022 and Smart Energy Tips For Your Wallet. Also, you can use The GearBrain, our compatibility find engine for smart devices. It's free and easy to use. Just tell us what smart devices you have in your home and we can help you find connected devices that are compatible, including smart thermostats.

Part Three of GearBrain's Podcast series on How to build a smart home focuses on budgeting. GearBrain

GE CYNC Smart Thermostat, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Enabled, Alexa and Google Assistant Compatible, Programmable

GE CYNC Smart Thermostat, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Enabled, Alexa and Google Assistant Compatible, Programmable

List Price: $119.98

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